A collage of various Tennessee attractions and experiences, overlaid with a purple and red gradient.

trip inspiration

When it comes to writing a song, or planning a trip, some of the best ideas seem to appear out of thin air. Or, from articles and itineraries we’ve already built for you.

Compass drawing with purple outline on grid background; shows cardinal directions and needle pointing northeast.

Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started. Here are a few trip ideas to help get you going. For better results, sort them by area or category of interest.

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Visitor viewing a wall of framed photographs and a large poster featuring a gymnast performing on a beam with the name “BESSIE SMITH” visible above; blue patterned wall.

Blues Music Pathways

Blues Music Pathways
Milky Way over Center Hill Lake in Edgar Evins State Park, TN

12 Stargazing Places

12 Stargazing Places
Cumberland Caverns Sponsored

Go Caving in Cumberland Caverns

Go Caving in Cumberland Caverns
Cyclists at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville

Budget-Friendly Knoxville Spots

Budget-Friendly Knoxville Spots
Red barn with white roof among trees and a dirt path in a grassy park-like setting; American flag visible on barn. Sponsored

Explore Goodlettsville

Explore Goodlettsville
Fountain water trickles down into stoney pool, The summer sun is warm but the maple shade is cool, You can feel the southern charm that springs from Tennessee, At the Thomas House Hotel B and B. Written about Thomas House Hotel in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee.

Discover Ghosts and Music Legends on the Ring of Fire Trail

Discover Ghosts and Music Legends on the Ring of Fire Trail
Dine above the clouds at Cafe 7 at Rock City Gardens. Cafe 7's patio gives you expansive views of Chattanooga and the mountains beyond. Dine on Southern classics while enjoying the sunshine.

Outdoor Dining: Patios and Rooftops

Outdoor Dining: Patios and Rooftops
Robert's Western World country dive bar in Nashville, TN

Nashville Dive Bars

Nashville Dive Bars
Clop Clop the tiny horses run, The warm breeze blows through their manes, Clop clop it’s time for some fun, A visit to Skyland Ranch, you’ll never be the same. Written about Skyland Ranch in Sevierville, Tennessee.

Family Vacation in the Smokies

Family Vacation in the Smokies